JP2017101894A - Laser defense system and laser defense method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a laser defense system capable of defensing an attack from a laser weapon.SOLUTION: A laser defense system 1 includes a laser irradiation device 10, a control device configured to determine a target position T to be irradiated with a laser beam B, and a direction adjustment device configured to adjust an irradiation direction of the laser beam B. The control device determines a position between a threat object 200 and a defense object 100 as the position target T. The laser irradiation device 10 irradiates the target position T with the laser beam B based on an instruction from the control device. As the result, at the target position T, a defense region D is generated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a laser protection system and a laser protection method.

  In recent years, research and development of high-power laser weapons has been conducted in various countries. On the other hand, research on protection against high-power lasers has not progressed, and sufficient protection measures have not been established.

  As a related technique, Patent Document 1 describes an airborne wind measurement rider apparatus. The rider device described in Patent Document 1 measures the wind speed in a desired remote area based on the Doppler effect. The rider apparatus irradiates aerosol in the atmosphere with laser light as transmission light, and receives laser scattered light from the aerosol as reception light. The rider apparatus measures the wind speed based on a wavelength change amount (Doppler shift amount) between the transmission light and the reception light. In the lidar apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, an optical filter capable of changing the thickness is disposed in front of the laser light source. Since the refractive index of the atmosphere in front of the aircraft fluctuates due to the change in the flight altitude, the thickness of the optical filter is adjusted in accordance with the fluctuation in the refractive index. The measurement accuracy of the anemometer is improved by adjusting the thickness of the optical filter.

  Patent Document 2 describes problems of thermal blooming and atmospheric aberration as problems in a high-power laser weapon. The laser system described in Patent Document 2 includes an optical element that compensates for wavefront distortion of an output light beam due to atmospheric aberration.

  Patent Document 3 describes thermal blooming. According to Patent Document 3, thermal blooming is a phenomenon in which the refractive index in the beam path changes as a result of the temperature of the beam path being raised by the laser. When the refractive index changes, the diameter of the laser beam increases as the distance from the laser source increases due to the lens effect. As a result, thermal blooming reduces the effectiveness of high power laser weapons.

  Patent Document 4 describes an anti-missile laser protection system. In the laser protection system described in Patent Document 4, the missile is destroyed by irradiating the missile with a laser. Patent Document 4 describes that, in order to solve the problem of thermal blooming, instead of irradiating the missile with one powerful laser, two independent lasers are converged toward the missile. Yes.

Japanese Patent No. 5651882 JP 11-340555 A JP-A-10-123251 US Pat. No. 5,198,607

  An object of the present invention is to provide a laser protection system capable of preventing attacks by laser weapons.

  These objects and other objects and benefits of the present invention can be easily confirmed by the following description and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the problem will be described using the numbers and symbols used in the embodiments for carrying out the invention. These numbers and symbols are added with parentheses for reference in order to show an example of the correspondence between the description of the claims and the mode for carrying out the invention. Accordingly, the claims should not be construed as limiting due to the bracketed description.

  In some embodiments, the laser protection system includes a laser irradiation device (10) that irradiates a laser beam (B), and a control device (50) that determines a target position (T) to irradiate the laser beam (B). A direction adjusting device (30) for adjusting an irradiation direction of the laser beam (B) so that the laser beam (B) is irradiated to the target position (T). The control device (50) determines the position between the threat object (200) and the defense object (100) as the target position (T). The direction adjusting device (30) adjusts the irradiation direction of the laser beam (B) based on a command from the control device (50). The laser irradiation device (10) protects the target position (T) by irradiating the target position (T) with the laser beam (B) based on a command from the control device (50). Region (D) is generated.

  In the laser defense system, the control device (50) may determine the target position (T) based on both the position of the threat object (200) and the position of the defense object (100).

  In the laser protection system, the laser irradiation device (10) may include a characteristic changing mechanism (20) that changes characteristics of the laser beam (B) during irradiation of the laser beam (B).

  In the laser protection system, the characteristic to be changed may be an intensity distribution of the laser beam (B) at the target position (T).

  The laser protection system may further include a position acquisition device (70) that acquires the position of the threat object (200). The control device (50) may determine the target position (T) based on the position of the threat object (200) acquired by the position acquisition device (70).

  In the laser protection system, when the position of the threat object (200) is unknown, the control device (50) determines the virtual position (200-1 to 200-n; 200-W) of the threat object (200). The target position (T) may be determined based on.

  The laser protection system may further include a position acquisition device (70) that acquires the position of the threat object (200). The control device (50) may determine a new target position (Tnew) based on the position of the threat object (200) acquired by the position acquisition device (70). The control device (50) sets the irradiation target of the laser beam (B) from the target position determined based on the virtual position (200-1 to 200-n; 200-W) to the new target position. You may transmit the change command changed to (Tnew) to the said laser irradiation apparatus (10). The laser irradiation device (10) may irradiate the new target position (Tnew) with a new laser beam based on the change command.

  In the laser protection system, the laser irradiation device (10) may generate plasma (P) in the protection region (D) by irradiating the laser beam (B).

  In the laser protection system, the control device (50) may selectively execute a threat object destruction mode or a protection mode. The threat object destruction mode is a mode in which the threat object is destroyed by directly irradiating the threat object (200) with a laser beam for destruction. The defense mode is a mode in which the defense area is generated by irradiating the target position (T) with the laser beam (B) that is a defense laser beam.

  The laser protection system may further include an electromagnetic wave detection device (80) that detects an electromagnetic wave emitted from the threat object (200). The control device (50) may start calculating the target position (T) based on the detection of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave detection device (80).

  In the laser protection system, the electromagnetic wave detection device (80) may include at least one of a radar wave detection receiver, an optical sensor, and a temperature sensor.

  In the laser protection system, the control device (50) includes an overlap length (L2) between a line segment connecting the threat object (200) and the protection target (100) and the laser beam (B). The target position (T) may be determined so that is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

  In the laser protection system, the laser irradiation device (10) may include a first irradiation device (10A) and a second irradiation device (10B). The laser beam (B) includes a first laser beam (B1) and a second laser beam (B2). The direction adjusting device (30) includes a first adjusting device (30A) that adjusts the irradiation direction of the first laser beam (B1), and a second adjusting device that adjusts the irradiation direction of the second laser beam (B2). (30B) may be included. The first irradiation device (30A) may irradiate the first laser beam (B1) to the target position (T). The second irradiation device (30B) may irradiate the second laser beam (B2) to the target position (T) or a second target position (T2) different from the target position.

  In the laser protection system, the control device (50) may selectively execute a synthesis mode and a distributed mode. In the synthesis mode, the first adjustment device (30A) and the second adjustment are performed so that the first laser beam (B1) and the second laser beam (B2) are irradiated to the target position (T). In this mode, an adjustment command is transmitted to the device (30B). In the dispersion mode, the first laser beam (B1) is irradiated to the target position (T), and the second laser beam (B2) is irradiated to the second target position (T2). In this mode, an adjustment command is transmitted to the first adjustment device (30A) and the second adjustment device (30B).

  In some embodiments, a laser defense method includes obtaining or estimating a position of a threat object (200) and determining a position between the threat object (200) and the defense object (100) as a target position (T). And a step of generating a defense area (D) at the target position (T) by irradiating the target position (T) with a laser beam (B).

  The laser defense method may include a step of changing the characteristics of the laser beam (B) after the step of generating the defense region (D) at the target position (T).

  The laser protection method may further include a step of executing a threat object destruction mode in which the threat object (200) is directly irradiated with the laser beam (B).

  In the laser protection method, the target position (T) may be a target position determined when the position of the threat object (200) is unknown. In the laser protection method, after the position of the threat object (200) is acquired, a position between the acquired position of the threat object (200) and the protection target object (100) is changed to a new target position ( Tnew) and irradiating the new target position (Tnew) with a new laser beam to generate a new defense region (Dnew) at the new target position (Tnew). Further, it may be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a laser defense system capable of preventing attacks by laser weapons.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser defense system, a defense target, and a threat object in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the laser protection system in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a plurality of laser irradiation units are mounted on a threat object. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser defense system, a defense target, and a threat object in a modified example. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system in the modification. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the laser protection system in the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the phase difference between the phase of the first laser beam and the phase of the second laser beam is changed. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the laser protection system in the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the laser protection system in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a laser protection system, a protection target, and a threat object in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the first example. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the second example. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the third example. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the fourth example.

  Hereinafter, a laser protection system and a laser protection method according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Matters recognized by the inventor)
A phenomenon called thermal blooming is known. Thermal blooming is a phenomenon in which when a high-power laser propagates in the atmosphere, the high-power laser raises the temperature of the atmosphere and changes the refractive index of the atmosphere. When thermal blooming occurs, the high-power laser is diffused or bent due to a change in the refractive index of the atmosphere. In laser weapons, the occurrence of thermal blooming is considered undesirable, and there is a need to suppress the occurrence of thermal blooming.

  By the way, research on defense against attacks by laser weapons has not progressed, and sufficient defense measures have not been established. Therefore, the inventor has invented a measure to prevent attacks by laser weapons by irradiating a laser beam into the atmosphere and actively generating thermal blooming. In the embodiment described below, the conventional common sense that the occurrence of thermal blooming should be suppressed upon laser beam irradiation is proposed, and active utilization of thermal blooming resulting from laser beam irradiation is proposed.

(First embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the laser protection system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a laser defense system 1, a defense target object 100, and a threat object 200. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system 1.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the laser protection system 1 includes a laser irradiation device 10, a direction adjustment device 30, and a control device 50.

(Laser irradiation device)
The laser irradiation apparatus 10 is an apparatus that irradiates the laser beam B from the laser irradiation unit 12. The laser irradiation apparatus 10 includes a light source 14 and an optical system 16 that guides laser light from the light source 14 to the laser irradiation unit 12. The optical system 16 includes, for example, a lens, a mirror, a laser amplifier, a laser irradiation unit 12, and the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the laser irradiation device 10 is installed on the ground, but the laser irradiation device 10 may be installed on a moving body such as a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft.

(Direction adjustment device)
The direction adjusting device 30 is a device that adjusts the irradiation direction of the laser beam B so that the laser beam B is irradiated to the target position T. The direction adjusting device 30 adjusts the irradiation direction of the laser beam B by driving the optical system 16 (for example, a mirror). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the direction adjustment device 30 is included in the laser irradiation device 10.

  Alternatively or additionally, the direction adjusting device 30 may adjust the irradiation direction of the laser beam B by moving the laser irradiation device 10 itself. In other words, the direction adjusting device 30 may be provided outside the laser irradiation device 10. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a driving device (not shown) rotates the laser irradiation device 10 around an X axis (for example, a horizontal axis) and / or rotates around a Z axis (for example, a vertical axis). Thereby, the irradiation direction of the laser beam B is adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, the direction adjusting device 30 may be a mobile body (not shown) such as a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft. In this case, the irradiation direction of the laser beam B is adjusted by a change in the position or orientation of the moving body.

(Control device)
The control device 50 is a device that determines a target position T to which the laser beam B is irradiated. The control device 50 may be configured by a computer including a CPU and a storage device. The control device 50 functions as the target position determination processing unit 54 by executing the program stored in the storage device 52.

  The target position determination processing unit 54 (control device 50) determines the position between the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100 as the target position T. It can be said that the target position T is a position between an arbitrary point on the threat object 200 and an arbitrary point on the defense object 100. The target position T exists on a line segment connecting an arbitrary point on the threat object 200 and an arbitrary point on the defense target 100.

  The threat object 200 may be a high-power laser irradiation unit 200A or a moving body 200B (for example, an aircraft) equipped with a high-power laser irradiation unit. However, from the viewpoint of bending or diffusing the laser beam BE from the threat object 200, the distance L1 between the target position T and the high-power laser irradiation unit 200A is preferably short. The laser irradiation unit 200A is desirable. The position of the threat object 200 may be acquired by a position acquisition device 70 described later, or may be estimated by the control device 50 or the like. However, since the distance L1 between the target position T and the high-power laser irradiation unit 200A is preferably short, it is desirable that the position of the high-power laser irradiation unit 200A is acquired or estimated as the position of the threat object 200. The defense object 100 may be a structure or a moving body different from the laser irradiation apparatus 10 (a structure or a moving body that is physically separated from the laser irradiation apparatus 10), or a laser irradiation apparatus. 10 may be a structure or a moving body. Note that the position of the defense object 100 is stored in the storage device 52. When the position of the defense target object 100 changes, for example, the latest position of the defense target object 100 is stored in the storage device 52.

  The target position determination processing unit 54 (control device 50) determines the target position T in consideration of, for example, the position of the threat object 200 and the position of the defense target object 100. In other words, the target position determination processing unit 54 determines the target position T based on both the position of the threat object 200 and the position of the defense target object 100. If the threat object 200 is destroyed by the laser beam, the target position may be determined in consideration of only the position of the threat object 200. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the position of the threat object 200 and the position of the defense object 100 are used in order to generate a later-described defense area D (defense space) between the threat object 200 and the defense object 100. In consideration of both, the target position T is determined.

  By the way, from the viewpoint of bending or diffusing the laser beam BE from the threat object 200, the distance L1 between the threat object 200 and the target position T is preferably as short as possible. On the other hand, when it is not known at which position of the threat object 200 the high-power laser irradiation unit 200A is mounted, or when a plurality of laser irradiation units are mounted on the threat object 200, the threat object 200 and the target position T The distance between should not be too short (see FIG. 3). Further, from the viewpoint of bending or diffusing the laser beam BE from the threat object 200, the overlap length L2 between the laser beam BE from the threat object 200 and the laser beam B is as long as possible. Is good.

  From the above viewpoint, the target position determination processing unit 54 determines that the target position is such that the distance L1 between the threat object 200 and the target position T is shorter than the distance between the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100. T is determined. The target position determination processing unit 54 may determine the target position T so that the distance L1 is, for example, 1 m or more and 100 m or less, or 3 m or more and 200 m or less. Alternatively or additionally, the target position determination processing unit 54 may use the laser beam BE from the threat object 200 (in other words, a line segment connecting the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100) and the laser beam B. For example, the target position T may be determined such that the overlap length L2 between and is equal to or greater than a threshold value (the threshold value is, for example, 1 m, 10 m, or 100 m). The overlap length L2 is equal to or shorter than the distance between the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100.

  The protection area D indicates an area where thermal blooming occurs. The defense area D may be defined as an area within a predetermined distance from the target position T. The predetermined distance varies depending on the output of the laser beam B or the like (the predetermined distance is, for example, 1 m, 10 m, 100 m, etc.). Alternatively, the protection region D may be defined as a region in which the atmospheric temperature Temp2 becomes higher than the surrounding atmospheric temperature Temp1 as a result of the irradiation of the laser beam B. Note that the atmospheric temperature Temp1 is equal to the atmospheric temperature Temp1 at the target position T before the laser beam B is irradiated. The atmospheric temperature Temp2 is an atmospheric temperature at an arbitrary position when the laser beam B is irradiated or after the laser beam B is irradiated. Alternatively, in the protection region D, as a result of the irradiation with the laser beam B, a value obtained by subtracting the atmospheric temperature Temp1 from the atmospheric temperature Temp2 is a predetermined threshold (for example, 0.1 ° C., 1 ° C., 10 ° C., etc.) The region may be defined as the above. Alternatively, the defense region D may be defined as a region where the atmospheric refractive index N2 is lower than the surrounding atmospheric refractive index N1. The atmospheric refractive index N1 is equal to the atmospheric refractive index N1 at the target position T before irradiation with the laser beam B. The atmospheric refractive index N2 is an atmospheric refractive index at an arbitrary position when the laser beam B is irradiated or after the laser beam B is irradiated.

  In addition, the defense area | region D has the function similar to a concave lens optically. For this reason, the defense area | region D can also be called a concave lens area | region.

  In FIG. 1, the laser beam BE from the threat object 200 is schematically described. When there is no protection area D, the beam diameter of the laser beam BE on the protection target 100 is generally several cm or 10 cm. For this reason, in general, the laser beam BE from the threat object 200 is a focused beam, and the laser beam BE is applied to only a part of the defense target 100.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the target position T (in other words, the defense area D) is set so that the entire defense target 100 is protected, but a part of the defense target 100 ( For example, the target position T (in other words, the defense area D) may be set so that only the important part) is defended. The beam diameter of the laser beam B at the target position T is, for example, 1 cm to 3 m, 1 cm to 2 m, or 1 cm to 1 m. It may be. The beam diameter of the laser beam B at the target position T may be larger than the beam diameter (generally about several cm or 10 cm) of the laser beam BE intended to destroy the object. The beam diameter is, for example, the diameter of the portion where the intensity of the laser beam in the cross section perpendicular to the beam traveling direction is 1 / e ² (e is the base of the natural logarithm) of the maximum intensity of the laser light in the cross section. It is.

  The control device 50 transmits an adjustment command to the direction adjustment device 30 based on the determined target position T. As a result, the direction adjusting device 30 adjusts the irradiation direction of the laser beam B based on the adjustment command. In addition, the control device 50 transmits an irradiation command to the laser irradiation device 10. Then, the laser irradiation apparatus 10 irradiates the target position T with the laser beam B based on the irradiation command. As a result, a defense area D is generated at the target position T.

  The laser beam BE from the threat object 200 is bent or diffused due to the presence of the defense region D, and the defense target object 100 cannot be destroyed. As described above, the laser defense system 1 according to the present embodiment can defend against attacks by laser weapons. The irradiation of the laser beam B may be performed before the irradiation of the laser beam BE from the threat object, may be performed during the irradiation of the laser beam BE from the threat object, or may be performed from the threat object. It may be performed after the irradiation of the laser beam BE to prevent the irradiation of the next laser beam BE.

  Note that the laser beam B in this embodiment is not intended to destroy threat objects. For this reason, the energy density of the laser beam B at the target position T may be lower than the energy density of the laser beam BE intended to destroy the object. For this reason, for example, the range of the laser beam B can be made longer than the range of the laser beam BE intended to destroy the threat object. For this reason, the defense by the laser defense system 1 becomes more reliable. Further, the quality of the laser beam B in the present embodiment may be lower than the quality of the laser beam BE intended to destroy the object. Furthermore, the irradiation accuracy of the laser beam B in the present embodiment may be lower than the irradiation accuracy of the laser beam BE intended to destroy the object. As a result, the laser protection system 1 can be constructed at a lower cost.

  Note that the laser protection system 1 may optionally include a focal length adjustment device 40. The focal length adjusting device 40 adjusts the focal length of the laser beam B. The focal length adjustment device 40 adjusts the optical system 16 so that the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the target position T becomes the focal length of the laser beam B, for example. The focal length adjustment device 40 sets the optical system 16 so that the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the target position T becomes the focal length of the laser beam B based on the focal length adjustment command from the control device 50. You may adjust. By focusing the laser beam B on the target position T, the energy density of the laser beam B at the target position T can be increased. As a result, the defense capability in the defense area D is improved.

  The laser protection system 1 in the embodiment can also be realized by adding or changing the control device 50 in an existing laser system. In this case, the control device 50 selectively selects a threat object destruction mode in which the threat object 200 is directly irradiated with the laser beam B to destroy the threat object 200 and a protection mode in which the target position T is irradiated with the laser beam B. It is good to be able to execute. For example, when the distance between the defense target object 100 and the threat object 200 or the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the threat object 200 is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control device 50 executes the defense mode, When the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the threat object destruction mode may be executed. In other words, the control device 50 may automatically select one of the threat object destruction mode and the defense mode according to the distance between the protection target object 100 and the threat object 200. Alternatively, the defense mode or threat object destruction mode may be manually selected by the operator. In the threat object destruction mode, the direction adjustment device 30 adjusts the optical system 16 to change the irradiation direction of the laser beam from the direction toward the target position T to the direction toward the threat object 200. The output of the laser beam (destruction laser beam) in the threat object destruction mode may be higher than the output of the laser beam (protection laser beam) in the protection mode. Alternatively or additionally, the energy density of the laser beam on the threat object in the threat object destruction mode may be higher than the energy density of the laser beam on the target position T in the protection mode.

(First modification of the first embodiment)
With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the laser protection system 1, the protection target object 100, and the threat object 200. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system 1. In the laser protection system of the first modified example, the same reference numerals are assigned to components having the same functions as the components of the laser protection system of the first embodiment, and repeated description is omitted.

  4 and 5 differs from the laser protection system in the first embodiment in that the laser protection system 1 includes a position acquisition device 70 and / or an electromagnetic wave detection device 80.

(Position acquisition device)
The position acquisition device 70 is a device that acquires the position of the threat object 200. The position acquisition device 70 may be a known radar device, and detects the threat object 200 (more specifically, the engine of the threat object 200 or the high-power laser irradiation unit 200A of the threat object) as a heat source. An infrared image sensor may be used. The position data of the threat object 200 (or the high-power laser irradiation unit 200 </ b> A that is a threat object) acquired by the position acquisition device 70 is transmitted to the control device 50. The control device 50 determines the target position T based on the position data and the position data of the defense object 100 stored in the storage device 52.

(Electromagnetic wave detection device)
The electromagnetic wave detection device 80 is a device that detects an electromagnetic wave emitted from the threat object 200. The electromagnetic wave detection device 80 may include a radar wave receiver that detects a radar wave emitted by the threat object 200 (a radar wave emitted by the other party to detect the other side). Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 may include an optical sensor that detects a low-power laser (for example, a laser for laser radar) emitted from the threat object 200. Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 may include an optical sensor (for example, a scattered light detection sensor) that detects a high-power laser (for example, a laser for destruction) emitted from the threat object 200. Good. The detection band of the optical sensor depends on the wavelength of the laser beam BE from the threat object 200, but is, for example, a band with a wavelength of 1 μm to 5 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 may include a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the arrival of a high-power laser (for example, a laser beam for destruction) emitted from the threat object 200. Good. The temperature sensor is, for example, a temperature sensor embedded in the defense object 100, or an infrared image sensor that detects a temperature rise of the defense object 100 (the infrared image sensor may be installed in the protection object 100, It may be installed on an object other than the defense target object 100).

  When the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 detects an electromagnetic wave emitted from the threat object 200, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 transmits a signal (warning signal) indicating that the electromagnetic wave has been detected to the control device 50. When receiving the warning signal, the control device 50 starts calculating the target position T and determines the target position T.

  In some cases, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 can detect or estimate the position of the threat object 200 by detecting the electromagnetic wave emitted by the threat object 200. In this case, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 can be used as the position acquisition device 70. In other words, the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 may have a threat object position acquisition function. The position data of the threat object 200 (or the estimated position data of the threat object 200) acquired by the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 (position acquisition device) is transmitted to the control device 50. The control device 50 determines the target position T based on the position data and the position data of the defense object 100 stored in the storage device 52.

  The first modification of the first embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In the first modification, the position of the threat object can be acquired more accurately. Therefore, the defense capability by the laser defense system is improved. Further, in the first modification, it is possible to detect electromagnetic waves emitted from the threat object. For this reason, it becomes possible to operate the laser defense system without delay from the detection of a specific threat (detection of electromagnetic waves) (calculating a target position and generating a defense area at the target position).

  The position acquisition device 70 and / or the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 may be provided independently of the protection object 100 and the laser irradiation device 10, or may be provided on the protection object 100, It may be provided in the laser irradiation apparatus 10 or may be provided in a moving body (not shown) on which the laser irradiation apparatus 10 is mounted.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 are schematic views schematically showing the laser protection system 1, the protection target object 100, and the threat object 200. FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the phase difference between the phase of the first laser beam B1 and the phase of the second laser beam B2 is changed. In the laser protection system of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the laser protection system of the first embodiment (including the first modification of the first embodiment) have the same functions. A figure number is assigned and repeated description is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the laser irradiation device 10 of the laser protection system 1 is different from the laser protection system in the first embodiment in that it includes a characteristic changing mechanism 20 that changes the characteristics of the laser beam B.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the laser beam BE emitted from the threat object 200 is bent by the defense region D. The threat object 200 may irradiate the protection target 100 with the laser beam BE ′ by correcting the laser beam BE. That is, there is a possibility that the defense area D is invalidated by correcting the laser beam BE. In the second embodiment, in response to such a case, the characteristics of the laser beam B (in other words, the characteristics of the defense region D) are changed.

With reference to FIG. 7, the laser irradiation apparatus 10 includes a characteristic changing mechanism 20. The characteristic changing mechanism 20 changes the characteristic of the laser beam B during the irradiation of the laser beam B. For example, the characteristic changing mechanism 20 changes the intensity distribution of the laser beam B at the target position T by changing the power supplied to the light source 14 or the optical system 16 during the irradiation of the laser beam B. The change of the characteristics (for example, intensity distribution) of the laser beam B may be periodically repeated. The change of the characteristics (for example, intensity distribution) of the laser beam B is preferably performed continuously, but may be performed intermittently. When the change of the characteristics of the laser beam B is intermittently performed, the change is preferably performed within, for example, 10 milliseconds from the previous change of the characteristics of the laser beam.

  Hereinafter, a specific example for changing the intensity distribution of the laser beam B at the target position T will be described.

  In the first example, the beam shape of the laser beam B (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the beam irradiation direction of the beam) is changed by changing the optical system 16 and the like. For example, the beam shape of the laser beam B may be changed from a circular shape to an elliptical shape. Further, the beam shape of the laser beam B may be repeatedly changed between a circular shape and an elliptical shape.

  In the second example, the propagation mode of the laser beam B is changed by changing the optical system 16 or the like. For example, the propagation mode of the laser beam B may be changed from a fundamental mode having a Gaussian distribution to a higher-order mode having a distribution other than a Gaussian distribution, or a combination ratio ( The ratio of the basic mode to the whole may be changed. In contrast, in general high-power laser weapons, it is necessary to focus the laser beam on a small spot, so higher-order modes are eliminated as much as possible (in other words, propagation modes are stabilized). The propagation mode does not change).

  In the third example, the focal length of the laser beam is changed by changing the optical system 16 or the like. For example, the focal length may be changed so that the focal length of the laser beam B becomes longer (for example, the focal length becomes longer than the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the target position T). The focal length may be changed so that the focal length of the laser beam B becomes shorter (for example, the focal length becomes shorter than the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the target position T). Further, the operation of increasing the focal length of the laser beam B and the operation of shortening the focal length may be performed alternately.

  In the fourth example, the intensity itself (energy density) of the laser beam B is changed by changing the power supplied to the light source 14 or the like.

  In the fifth example, the laser irradiation apparatus 10 irradiates the target position T with a plurality of laser beams B. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the target position T is irradiated with the first laser beam B1 and the second laser beam B2. In this case, the first laser beam B1 and the second laser beam B2 are combined at the target position T. When combining the laser beams, the phase difference between the phase of the first laser beam B1 and the phase of the second laser beam B2 is usually zero so that the maximum beam intensity can be obtained at the center of the beam. The phase of the first laser beam B1 and the phase of the second laser beam are controlled synchronously. On the other hand, in the fifth example, the phase of the first laser beam B1 is changed by changing the optical system 16 or the like (more specifically, by adjusting the phase adjuster constituting the optical system 16). The intensity distribution of the laser beam B at the target position T is changed by changing the phase difference from the phase of the second laser beam B2 (for example, periodically changing) (see FIG. 9). FIG. 9 shows a state in which the phase of the first laser beam B1 (the direction of the electric field vector) is changed with respect to the phase of the second laser beam B2, and the change of the phase causes the laser beam at the target position T to be changed. It describes how the intensity distribution is changed.

  When changing the intensity distribution of the laser beam B, any one of the first to fifth examples described above may be employed, or the first to fifth examples described above may be employed. Any two, three, four, or five of them may be used in combination.

  In the second embodiment, even when the threat object 200 attempts to invalidate the defense area D by correcting the laser beam BE, the effectiveness of the defense area D can be effectively maintained. It is.

(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. 10 and 12 are schematic views schematically showing the laser protection system 1, the protection target object 100, and the threat object 200. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system 1. In the laser protection system of the third embodiment, the same functions as the constituent elements of the first embodiment (including the first modification of the first embodiment) or the laser protection system of the second embodiment. Constituent elements having the same reference numbers are given, and repeated description is omitted.

  The third embodiment is an embodiment assuming a case where the position of the threat object 200 is unknown (including a case where the position of the threat object 200 is not accurately acquired). In the third embodiment, the control device 50 determines the target position T based on the virtual position of the threat object 200 when the position of the threat object 200 is unknown. Different from the second embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 11, control device 50 includes a position estimation processing unit 56. The position estimation processing unit 56 estimates a position where the threat object 200 may exist (in other words, virtual positions 200-1, 200-2, 200-n, 200-W, etc.). The control device 50 functions as the position estimation processing unit 56 by executing a program stored in the storage device 52.

  The position estimation processing unit 56 (control device 50) may estimate the virtual position of the threat object 200 based on the position and speed of the threat object 200 acquired in the past. Alternatively, the position estimation processing unit 56 (the control device 50) is based on the electromagnetic wave (electromagnetic wave emitted by the threat object 200) acquired by the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 (position where the threat object 200 may exist (virtual). Position) may be estimated. The estimated virtual position may be one virtual position 200-1, but may be a plurality of virtual positions 200-1 to 200-n or an area 200-W where the threat object 200 may exist. There may be.

  The target position determination processing unit 54 (control device 50) determines target positions T1 to Tn based on the virtual positions 200-1 to 200-n (or 200-W) of the threat object 200. More specifically, the target position determination processing unit 54 sets the positions between the virtual positions 200-1 to 200-n (or 200-W) of the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100 as the target positions T1 to Tn. decide. In the third embodiment, the defense region D1 is generated by the first laser beam B1 irradiated from the laser irradiation device 10 corresponding to the target position T1. In addition, the defense region D2 is generated by the second laser beam B2 irradiated from the laser irradiation device 10 corresponding to the second target position T2, and is irradiated from the laser irradiation device 10 corresponding to the nth target position Tn. The defense region Dn is generated by the nth laser beam Bn. The defense area D1 and the defense area D2 may overlap each other, and the defense area Dn-1 and the defense area Dn (n is a natural number of 2 or more) may overlap each other. For example, the first laser beam B1 and the second laser beam B2 may be irradiated at the same time or at different timings. In the latter case, for example, the second laser beam B2 may be irradiated before the defense region D1 generated by the first laser beam B1 disappears.

  In the third embodiment, even when the position of the threat object 200 cannot be accurately grasped (or when it cannot be grasped at all), the laser beam from the threat object 200 is detected based on the virtual position of the threat object 200. Can be defended.

  In the third embodiment, it is assumed that the position of the threat object 200 is acquired by the position acquisition device 70 when the defense areas D1 to Dn are generated based on the virtual position of the threat object 200. . In this case, the target position determination processing unit 54 (control device 50) determines a new target position Tnew (see FIG. 12) based on the position of the threat object 200 acquired by the position acquisition device 70. The algorithm for determining the new target position Tnew may be the same as the algorithm for determining the target position T in the first embodiment. After the new target position Tnew is determined, the control device 50 changes the laser beam irradiation target from the target position T1 (or target positions T1 to Tn) determined based on the virtual position to the new target position Tnew. A change command to be changed is transmitted to the laser irradiation device 10. Then, the laser irradiation apparatus 10 irradiates the new target position Tnew with the new laser beam B based on the change command from the control device 50. As a result, a new defense area Dnew is generated at a new target position Tnew.

  In the third embodiment, the number of new target positions Tnew can be smaller than the number of target positions T1 to Tn corresponding to the virtual positions. In other words, in the third embodiment, when the position of the threat object 200 is unknown, the wide area defense mode for generating a wide defense area is executed, and when the position of the threat object 200 is acquired, It is possible to execute a concentrated defense mode for generating a defense area. In the wide-area defense mode, for example, a plurality of target positions T1 to Tn (n is a natural number of 2 or more) corresponding to the virtual position are irradiated with a laser beam. In the concentrated defense mode, for example, one target position T or a plurality of target positions T-1 to Tk (k is a natural number smaller than n) is irradiated with a laser beam.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the laser protection system 1, the protection target object 100, and the threat object 200. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram schematically showing functions of the laser protection system 1. In the laser protection system of the fourth embodiment, the laser protection system of the first embodiment (including the first modification of the first embodiment), the second embodiment, or the third embodiment. Constituent elements having the same functions as the constituent elements are assigned the same drawing numbers and their repeated explanation is omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, the point that the plasma P is generated inside the defense region D (or the defense region Dnew), and the point that the control device 50 includes the plasma generation command unit 57, the first embodiment, This is different from the second embodiment and the third embodiment. The control device 50 functions as the plasma generation command unit 57 by executing the program stored in the storage device 52.

  In the fourth embodiment, the laser beam B is focused on the target position T (or target position Tnew). For example, the focal length adjusting device 40 is configured so that the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the target position T (or the target position Tnew) is the focal length of the laser beam. May be performed by adjusting 16. The focused laser beam B generates plasma P inside the protection region D (or protection region Dnew). The generation of the plasma P can be realized by condensing the laser beam with high density and / or increasing the output of the laser beam. The plasma P tends to absorb laser light. For this reason, once the plasma P is generated, the plasma P is efficiently maintained by absorbing the laser beam B from the laser irradiation apparatus 10. Further, the plasma P also absorbs the laser beam BE emitted from the threat object 200. For this reason, when the plasma P absorbs the laser beam BE emitted from the threat object 200, the protection region D is maintained or expanded.

  The plasma generation command unit 57 (control device 50) commands the laser irradiation device 10 to execute the plasma generation mode. The laser irradiation device 10 executes the plasma generation mode based on a command from the plasma generation command unit 57. In the plasma generation mode, the light source 14 or the optical system 16 is adjusted so that the laser beam density at the target position T (or target position Tnew) is equal to or higher than the density at which plasma can be generated. Note that plasma generation is easier with a pulsed laser beam than with a continuous laser beam. Therefore, in the plasma generation mode, the light source 14 or the optical system 16 may be adjusted so that a pulsed laser beam is generated. In the plasma generation mode, the laser irradiation apparatus 10 first irradiates a pulse laser beam to generate plasma P at the target position T (or target position Tnew), and then the laser irradiation apparatus 10 performs plasma at the target position. Plasma may be grown by irradiating P with a continuous laser beam.

  In the fourth embodiment, by generating the plasma P in the protection region, it is possible to efficiently increase the atmospheric temperature in the protection region locally (in the plasma generation region). In the fourth embodiment, a laser beam from a threat object can be used for the growth of the plasma P (defense area).

  Note that the plasma P generated in the fourth embodiment emits an electromagnetic pulse (EMP pulse). The emitted electromagnetic pulse causes the electronic device of the threat object 200 to malfunction. In consideration of this, the plasma generation mode of the fourth embodiment may include an electromagnetic pulse generation mode that causes the electronic device of the threat object 200 to malfunction. When executing the electromagnetic pulse generation mode, the distance between the target position T and the threat object 200 is set to 50 m or less, or 10 m or less, for example.

  For example, the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment can be combined. For example, when the target position is determined based on the virtual position of the threat object 200 (for example, in the wide area defense mode), the target position T1 to Tn is irradiated with a laser beam that does not generate plasma, and the position acquisition device 70 When the target position is determined based on the acquired position of the threat object 200 (for example, the concentrated defense mode), it is possible to irradiate the target position Tnew with a laser beam that generates plasma P.

(Fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the laser defense system 1, the defense target object 100, and the threat object 200. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the functions of the laser protection system 1. In the laser protection system of the fifth embodiment, the first embodiment (including the first modification of the first embodiment), the second embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment. Constituent elements having the same functions as those of the laser protection system according to the embodiment are given the same drawing numbers, and repeated description is omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, the laser irradiation apparatus 10 includes a plurality of irradiation apparatuses. The number of irradiation devices may be two, or may be three or more.

  In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the laser irradiation device 10 includes a first irradiation device 10 </ b> A and a second irradiation device 10 </ b> B. The first irradiation apparatus 10A irradiates the first laser beam B1, and the second irradiation apparatus 10B irradiates the second laser beam B2.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the first irradiation device 10A includes a first adjustment device 30A, a first light source 14A, a first optical system 16A, and a first laser irradiation unit 12A. The first irradiation device 10A may include the first focal length adjustment device 40A or may include a first characteristic changing mechanism. The functions of the first adjusting device 30A, the first light source 14A, the first optical system 16A, the first laser irradiation unit 12A, the first focal length adjusting device 40A, and the first characteristic changing mechanism are the above-described direction adjusting device 30, The functions of the light source 14, the optical system 16, the laser irradiation unit 12, the focal length adjustment device 40, and the characteristic changing mechanism 20 are the same.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the second irradiation device 10B includes a second adjustment device 30B, a second light source 14B, a second optical system 16B, and a second laser irradiation unit 12B. The second irradiation device 10B may include a second focal length adjustment device 40B or may include a second characteristic changing mechanism. The functions of the second adjusting device 30B, the second light source 14B, the second optical system 16B, the second laser irradiation unit 12B, the second focal length adjusting device 40B, and the second characteristic changing mechanism are the above-described direction adjusting device 30, respectively. The functions of the light source 14, the optical system 16, the laser irradiation unit 12, the focal length adjustment device 40, and the characteristic changing mechanism 20 are the same.

  The first irradiation device 10A irradiates the target position T with the first laser beam B1 based on a command from the control device 50. The target position T is the same as the target position T in the first embodiment. That is, the target position T is a position between the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100. The control device 50 determines the target position T based on both the position of the threat object 200 and the position of the defense target object 100.

  The second irradiation device 10B irradiates the second target position T2 with the second laser beam B2 based on a command from the control device 50. The second target position T2 is the same as the target position T in the example illustrated in FIG. In the example described in FIG. 15, the first laser beam B <b> 1 and the second laser beam B <b> 2 are irradiated to the target position T to generate one defense region D. In this specification, a mode in which one protection region D is generated by a plurality of laser beams is referred to as a synthesis mode. In the synthesis mode, the control device 50 adjusts the first adjustment device 30A and the second adjustment device 30B so that the target position T is irradiated with the first laser beam B1 and the second laser beam B2. Send a command. In the synthesis mode, three or more laser beams may be irradiated to the target position T.

  Alternatively, as in the example described in FIG. 17, the second target position T2 may be a position different from the target position T. The second target position T2 is, for example, a position between the position of the second threat object 200 ′ different from the threat object 200 and the position of the defense target object 100. The control device 50 determines the second target position T2 based on both the position of the second threat object 200 'and the position of the defense target object 100. Note that the second threat object 200 'may be the high-power laser irradiation unit 200'A or the moving body 200'B on which the high-power laser irradiation unit is mounted.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, two defense areas D and D2 are generated by irradiating the target position T with the first laser beam B1 and irradiating the second target position T2 with the second laser beam B2. . In this specification, a mode in which a plurality of protection areas are generated by a plurality of laser beams is referred to as a distributed mode. In the dispersion mode, the control device 50 performs the first adjustment so that the target position T is irradiated with the first laser beam B1 and the second target position T2 different from the target position T is irradiated with the second laser beam B2. An adjustment command is transmitted to the device 30A and the second adjustment device 30B.

  A control device 50 illustrated in FIG. 16 includes a target position determination processing unit 54 and a storage device 52, as in the example illustrated in FIG. The control device 50 may include a position estimation processing unit 56 and / or a plasma generation command unit 57 as in the example described in FIG.

  It is preferable that the control device 50 is configured to selectively execute the above-described synthesis mode and the above-described distributed mode. When the number of irradiation devices is three or more, in other words, when the laser irradiation device 10 includes the first irradiation device 10A, the second irradiation device 10B, and the third irradiation device 10C, The combination mode and the distributed mode may be executed in combination. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the control device 50 executes the synthesis mode using the first irradiation device 10A and the second irradiation device 10B, and performs the first irradiation device 10A or the second irradiation device 10B. The distributed mode is executed using the third irradiation apparatus 10C. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the first laser beam B <b> 1 and the second laser beam B <b> 2 are irradiated to one target position T in the synthesis mode. In the dispersion mode, the first laser beam B1 (or the second laser beam B2) is irradiated to the target position T, and the third laser beam B3 is irradiated to the target position T3 different from the target position T. .

  In the fifth embodiment, a plurality of irradiation devices are provided. For this reason, it is easy to increase the number of laser beams to be irradiated. Further, when executing the synthesis mode, it is possible to easily increase the energy density of the laser beam at the target position. For this reason, the defense capability in a defense area is increased easily. Alternatively, by executing the synthesis mode, it is possible to reduce the output of each laser beam (output of each irradiation device). By reducing the output, each irradiation device can be miniaturized. Due to the miniaturization of the irradiation apparatus, the irradiation apparatus can be easily mounted on a moving body (vehicle or the like).

  In the fifth embodiment, it is possible to execute the synthesis mode and the distribution mode. For this reason, diversification of defense using a laser defense system is easily realized. For example, by executing the distributed mode of the fifth embodiment, the wide-area defense mode in the third embodiment can be easily realized, and the composite mode of the fifth embodiment is executed. Thus, it is possible to easily realize the centralized defense mode in the third embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, the plasma generation mode of the fourth embodiment can be easily realized by executing the synthesis mode of the fifth embodiment.

(Sixth embodiment)
The laser protection method can be executed using any one of the first to fifth embodiments. Hereinafter, the laser protection method will be described.

(First example)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the first example.

  In the laser defense method in the first example, the position of the threat object 200 is acquired or estimated in the first step S1. The acquisition of the position of the threat object 200 may be performed using the position acquisition device 70 described above. Further, the position of the threat object 200 may be estimated using the position estimation processing unit 56 described above.

  The second step S2 of the laser protection method is a step of determining the target position T. The target position T is a position between the threat object 200 and the defense target object 100. The target position T is, for example, a position between an arbitrary point on the threat object 200 and an arbitrary point on the defense target object 100. Note that the step of determining the target position T may be performed using the above-described target position determination processing unit 54. For example, the target position T is determined by extracting a line segment connecting the position coordinates of the threat object 200 and the position coordinates of the defense object 100 and indicating the position coordinates of the threat object 200 from the points on the line segment. It may be performed by selecting an arbitrary point excluding a point and a point indicating the position coordinates of the defense target 100.

  The third step S3 of the laser protection method is a step of irradiating the target position T with the laser beam B. At the target position T, the atmosphere exists (the target position T is a position in the atmosphere). By irradiating the target position T with the laser beam B, the ambient temperature around the target position T rises. As a result, a defense area D is generated at the target position T. Note that the step of irradiating the target position T with the laser beam B may be performed using the laser irradiation apparatus 10 described above.

  In the laser protection method in the first example, the laser beam emitted from the threat object is effectively protected by the protection region D.

(Second example)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the second example.

  The laser defense method in the second example is a step of changing the characteristics of the laser beam (fourth step) after the step of generating the defense region at the target position (the above-described third step S3) in the laser defense method in the first example. This corresponds to an example in which S4) is added. In the example described in FIG. 20, for example, the intensity distribution of the laser beam B at the target position T is changed. The intensity distribution of the laser beam B may be changed by the above-described characteristic changing mechanism 20 periodically changing the power supplied to the light source 14 or the optical system 16 or the like.

  The laser defense method in the second example has the same effects as in the first example. In addition, in the laser protection method in the second example, even when the laser beam emitted from the threat object is corrected, the corrected laser beam is effectively protected by changing the characteristics of the protection region.

(Third example)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the third example.

  The laser protection method in the third example corresponds to an example in which a step of executing the threat object destruction mode (fifth step S5) is added to the laser protection method in the first example or the second example. The step of executing the threat object destruction mode (fifth step S5) is added after, for example, the step of generating the defense region at the target position (the above-described third step S3), or the characteristics of the laser beam are changed. Is added after the step (the above-mentioned fourth step S4). The threat object destruction mode is a mode in which the threat object is destroyed by directly irradiating the threat object with a laser beam for destruction. In the threat object destruction mode, the above-described direction adjusting device 30 adjusts the optical system 16 to change the irradiation direction of the laser beam from the direction toward the target position T to the direction toward the threat object 200.

  In the threat object destruction mode, when the distance between the defense target object 100 and the threat object 200 or the distance between the laser irradiation unit 12 and the threat object 200 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (below the threshold value). Only).

  The laser defense method in the third example has the same effect as the first example or the second example. In addition, in the laser defense method in the third example, a more appropriate defense mode can be selected by switching between the defense mode and the threat object destruction mode.

(Fourth example)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the laser protection method in the fourth example.

  In the laser protection method in the fourth example, the position of the threat object 200 is estimated in the first step S1 '. The position of the threat object 200 may be estimated using the position estimation processing unit 56 described above. The position estimation processing unit 56 may estimate the virtual position of the threat object 200 based on the position and speed of the threat object 200 acquired in the past. Alternatively, the position estimation processing unit 56 estimates a position (virtual position) where the threat object 200 may exist based on the electromagnetic wave acquired by the electromagnetic wave detection device 80 (electromagnetic wave emitted by the threat object 200). May be. The estimated virtual position may be one virtual position 200-1, but may be a plurality of virtual positions 200-1 to 200-n or a region 200-W. When the position of the threat object 200 is completely unknown, the position estimation processing unit 56 estimates the default position (including the default area) stored in advance in the storage device 52 as the position of the threat object 200. May be.

  The second step S2 'of the laser protection method is a step of determining the target position T. The target position T is a position between the estimated position of the threat object 200 and the position of the defense target object 100. When a plurality of positions (for example, refer to a plurality of positions indicated by reference numerals 200-1 to 200-n in FIG. 10) are estimated as the positions of the threat object 200, the target position T is a plurality of positions. The position (for example, refer to a plurality of positions indicated by reference numerals T1 to Tn in FIG. 10) may be included. The step of determining the target position T may be performed using the target position determination processing unit 54 described above.

  The third step S3 'of the laser protection method is a step of irradiating the target position T with the laser beam B. By irradiating the target position T with the laser beam B, a defense region D is generated at the target position T. When the target position T includes a plurality of positions, the plurality of target positions T1 to Tn may be irradiated with the plurality of laser beams B1 to Bn, respectively. The step of irradiating the target position T with the laser beam B may be performed using the laser irradiation apparatus 10 described above.

  The fourth step S4 'of the laser protection method is a step of acquiring the position of the threat object 200. The acquisition of the position of the threat object 200 may be performed using the position acquisition device 70 described above.

  The fifth step S5 'of the laser protection method is a step of determining a new target position Tnew. The new target position Tnew is a position between the acquired position of the threat object 200 and the position of the defense target object 100. The new target position Tnew is, for example, a position between an arbitrary point on the threat object 200 and an arbitrary point on the defense object 100. Note that the step of determining a new target position Tnew may be performed using the target position determination processing unit 54 described above.

  The sixth step S6 'of the laser protection method is a step of irradiating a new laser beam to the new target position Tnew. By irradiating a new laser beam to the new target position Tnew, a new defense area Dnew is generated at the new target position Tnew. Note that the step of irradiating the new target position Tnew with the laser beam may be performed using the laser irradiation apparatus 10 described above.

  In the laser protection method in the fourth example, the fourth step S4 (change of the characteristics of the laser beam) in the second example may be executed after the third step S3 'or the sixth step S6'. Alternatively or additionally, the fifth step S5 (execution of the threat object destruction mode) in the third example may be executed after the sixth step S6 '.

  The laser defense method in the fourth example has the same effects as the first example, the second example, or the third example. In addition, in the laser protection method in the fourth example, even when the position of the threat object cannot be accurately grasped (or when it cannot be grasped at all), the laser beam from the threat object is based on the virtual position of the threat object. Can be defended against.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is obvious that the embodiments can be appropriately modified or changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Various techniques used in each embodiment or modification can be applied to other embodiments or modifications as long as no technical contradiction arises.

1: Laser protection system 10: Laser irradiation device 10A: First irradiation device 10B: Second irradiation device 10C: Third irradiation device 12: Laser irradiation unit 12A: First laser irradiation unit 12B: Second laser irradiation unit 14: Light source 14A: first light source 14B: second light source 16: optical system 16A: first optical system 16B: second optical system 20: characteristic changing mechanism 30: direction adjusting device 30A: first adjusting device 30B: second adjusting device 40: Focal length adjustment device 40A: first focal length adjustment device 40B: second focal length adjustment device 50: control device 52: storage device 54: target position determination processing unit 56: position estimation processing unit 57: plasma generation command unit 70: position Acquisition device 80: Electromagnetic wave detection device 100: Defense target 200: Threat object 200 ': Second threat object 200-1, 200-2, 200-n: Virtual position 00-W: area 200A: high-power laser irradiation unit 200B: moving body B: laser beam B1: first laser beam B2: second laser beam B3: third laser beam Bn: nth laser beam BE: laser beam D, D2, Dn, Dnew: Defense area T, T1, T2, T3, Tn, Tnew: Target position

Claims (18)

A laser irradiation apparatus for irradiating a laser beam;
A control device for determining a target position for irradiating the laser beam;
A direction adjusting device that adjusts an irradiation direction of the laser beam so that the laser beam is irradiated to the target position;
The control device determines a position between a threat object and a defense object as the target position,
The direction adjusting device adjusts an irradiation direction of the laser beam based on a command from the control device,
The laser irradiation device generates a defense region at the target position by irradiating the target position with the laser beam based on a command from the control device. The laser protection system according to claim 1,
The said control apparatus determines the said target position based on both the position of a threat object, and the position of the defense target object The laser defense system. The laser protection system according to claim 1 or 2,
The laser irradiation apparatus includes a characteristic changing mechanism that changes a characteristic of the laser beam during irradiation of the laser beam. The laser protection system according to claim 3,
The characteristic to be changed is an intensity distribution of the laser beam at the target position. In the laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A position acquisition device for acquiring the position of the threat object;
The control device determines the target position based on the position of the threat object acquired by the position acquisition device. In the laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the position of the threat object is unknown, the control device determines the target position based on a virtual position of the threat object. The laser protection system according to claim 6,
A position acquisition device for acquiring the position of the threat object;
The control device determines a new target position based on the position of the threat object acquired by the position acquisition device,
The control device transmits a change command for changing the irradiation target of the laser beam from the target position determined based on the virtual position to the new target position, to the laser irradiation device,
The laser irradiation apparatus irradiates a new laser beam to the new target position based on the change command. The laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The laser irradiation apparatus generates plasma in the protection region by irradiating the laser beam. The laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The control device selectively executes a threat object destruction mode or a defense mode,
The threat object destruction mode is a mode in which the threat object is destroyed by directly irradiating the threat object with a laser beam for destruction.
The defense mode is a mode in which the defense region is generated by irradiating the target position with the laser beam that is a defense laser beam. The laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Further comprising an electromagnetic wave detection device for detecting an electromagnetic wave emitted by the threat object,
The control device starts calculation of the target position based on detection of the electromagnetic wave by the electromagnetic wave detection device. The laser protection system according to claim 10,
The electromagnetic wave detection device includes at least one of a radar wave detection receiver, an optical sensor, or a temperature sensor. The laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The said control apparatus determines the said target position so that the overlap length with the line segment which connects the said threat object and the said defense target object, and the said laser beam becomes more than a threshold value The laser defense system. The laser protection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The laser irradiation apparatus includes a first irradiation apparatus and a second irradiation apparatus,
The laser beam includes a first laser beam and a second laser beam,
The direction adjusting device includes:
A first adjustment device for adjusting the irradiation direction of the first laser beam;
A second adjusting device for adjusting the irradiation direction of the second laser beam,
The first irradiation device irradiates the first laser beam to the target position,
The second irradiation apparatus irradiates the second laser beam to the target position or a second target position different from the target position. The laser protection system according to claim 13,
The control device selectively executes a synthesis mode and a distributed mode,
The synthesis mode is a mode for transmitting an adjustment command to the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device so that the first laser beam and the second laser beam are irradiated to the target position.
In the dispersion mode, an adjustment command is sent to the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device so that the first laser beam is irradiated to the target position and the second laser beam is irradiated to the second target position. Is a mode to transmit a laser protection system. Obtaining or estimating the position of a threat object;
Determining a position between the threat object and a defense object as a target position;
Irradiating the target position with a laser beam to generate a protection area at the target position. The laser protection method according to claim 15,
After the step of generating a defense region at the target position, a step of changing the characteristics of the laser beam is provided. The laser protection method according to claim 15 or 16,
A laser protection method, further comprising: executing a threat object destruction mode in which the threat object is directly irradiated with the laser beam. The laser protection method according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
The target position is a target position determined when the position of the threat object is unknown,
After the position of the threat object is acquired, determining a position between the acquired position of the threat object and the defense object as a new target position;
Generating a new defense region at the new target position by irradiating the new target position with a new laser beam. The laser defense method.

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